IND vs SA ODI series: India and South Africa are all set to play the first match of their three-match ODI series at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on November 30 (today). India entered this game after a disappointing Test series, where they were beaten 2-0, but the ODI format brings new hope. With senior players returning, this series gives India a fresh chance to bounce back.
KL Rahul will lead the team and also take up wicketkeeping duties because of injuries to regular players. The return of big names like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli strengthens the top order. Young players such as Tilak Varma, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Washington Sundar may also get opportunities. In bowling, India are likely to depend on a mix of fast bowlers and spinners, with Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav expected to play key roles.
South Africa entered the ODIs with confidence after winning the Test series comfortably. Their strong performance in the longer format shows they are in good rhythm. With a full-strength squad full of experienced players, they will be a tough opponent for India.
The Ranchi pitch usually helps fast bowlers early on, but becomes easier for batting later. Because of this, the toss and team selection will be important. India will need a good start with the bat and disciplined bowling. But with South Africa’s current form, the match is expected to be tight and competitive, where small moments could decide the winner.
India vs South Africa 1st ODI: Full squads
India Squad: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul (WK/C), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Tilak Varma, Dhruv Jurel, Kuldeep Yadav
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Rubin Hermann, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton, Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Prenelan Subrayen
India vs South Africa 1st ODI: Probable playing XI
India: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Reddy, KL Rahul (C), Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Rubin Hermann, Dewald Brevis, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi